Top violations in nursing homes

Violations of “accident hazards” were the most frequently cited survey flaw across the nation in September, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. These hazards typically cause falls and injuries to occur.  The agency said 35.2% of the facilities cited were written up for F-tag 323.

Next on the list was a frequent No. 1 entry in the Top Ten list: F-tag 371 (“store, prepare, distribute and serve food”) at 33.9%. This is very disturbing considering the importance of dietary and nutritional aspects for maintaining and improving the health of elderly residents especially to prevent or heal pressure ulcers.

Filling out the top five were: F-309 (each resident must receive care for highest well-being) at 27.7%; F-281 (services must meet professional standards of quality) at 26.9%; and F-279 (Facility must develop comprehensive care plan with objectives/timetables.

All information was culled from CMS’ Online Survey, Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) data.